17 Places to Ring in 2018 Around the Main Line

From family-friendly events to fireworks displays, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the new year.

By Fran Miller

Photo by Matt Stanley.

For Families

The Count’s Countdown to New Year’s
Kids will love sharing a meal with their favorite character and traipsing through Sesame Place in celebration of the new year.

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne.

Dave and Buster’s Family New Year’s EveDave and Buster’s is celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another with a night of fun. Find arcade games, an open buffet, plus an incredible indoor view of the six o’clock fireworks overlooking the Delaware River.

325 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin SquareFranklin Square will host a “square” drop from atop the Squareburger, followed by a kids’ dance party and craft making.

200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia.

Midnight in the Square
Kennett Square puts its own Kennett-themed twist on the traditional ball drop. Instead, they will be dropping a dazzling, illuminated 700-pound mushroom.

Downtown Kennett Square

New Year’s Eve at Blue Cross RiverRink
Head to the Delaware Riverfront for ice skating, food, games, and ample seating make to see the midnight fireworks show.

101 Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

New Years Eve Community Celebration and Ball Drop
Delaware County residents will gather in Media for a free, outdoor event. Philly-based New Orleans soul collective, Philly Gumbo, will bring rhythm and music to the bash, as the borough rings in 2018.

State Street, Media.

New Year’s Eve Family Jam
Perfect for those with little ones who won’t stay awake until the ball drops, Ardmore Music Hall’s noontime celebration is the perfect alternative. Alex and the Kaleidoscope will perform, plus there will be face painting, caricature drawings, and a balloon artist.

23 Lancaster Ave., Ardmore.

New Year’s Eve at Longwood GardensLongwood Gardens will stay open until 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and visitors can take in the spectacular Versailles-themed displays. Expect various musical entertainers throughout the gardens, including steel drummers, brass collectives, organ musicians, and strolling carolers.

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.

Please Touch Museum’s Countdown 2 Noon
One of Philly’s most popular New Year’s Eve family events, Please Touch Museum celebrates with a ball drop at noon. Kids will remain busy with snowflake art, party hat making, and live music.

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia.

2018 Mummers Parade
A Philadelphia tradition for over 100 years, the Mummers Parade will see over 10,000 people parade through Center City sporting eye-popping costumes and performing playful tunes. The New Year's Day spectacle is a must see for all ages.

Philadelphia.

For 21-and-Over

2018 Elegant White Party
Valley Forge Casino will ring in the New Year with its Elegant White Party. Don your best white outfit and head to the celebration, which is complete with live entertainment, a menu of surf and turf, an open bar and the ball drop.

1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia.

2018 New Year’s Eve Bash at SugarHouseSugarHouse Casino will throw a massive New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with DJs, a complimentary champagne toast, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Plus, the casino boasts a perfect view of their fireworks.

1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia.

Arnold’s Family Fun Center’s New Year’s Eve Party
Arnold’s brings a light-hearted approach to their New Year’s Eve festivities. Aside from their open bar and buffet, Arnold’s will have their go-karts, laser tag, arcade, and bowling alleys open for guests to channel their inner kid.

2200 West Drive, Oaks.

Manayunk Brewing Company’s 2018 New Year’s Eve Bash
Find an open bar, a midnight champagne toast, party favors and more at this celebration.

4120 Main St., Manayunk.

New Year’s Eve 2018 Midnight from the Top
Philadelphia’s DJ Jason Weiss will provide the soundtrack at this scenic black tie celebration. One Liberty Observation Deck features a picturesque sightline of the city, making the fireworks really pop.

1650 Market St., Philadelphia.

New Year’s Eve at the Block
Triple Rail Turn rings in 2018 with a live performance at the Block at Harrah’s. the celebration is complete with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.

777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester.

New Year’s Funkin’ Eve
This New Year’s Eve party will usher in the new year with a little funk. Ill Doots and DJ Dane Luz will perform throughout the night. Guests will also enjoy fireworks and tasty beverages.